The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced funding opportunity PAR-25-324 for the Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award Extension Request (Type 4 eSubmission Clinical Trial Optional). This opportunity is specifically for currently funded NCI Early Stage Investigator (ESI) MERIT recipients who seek to apply for a second phase of their award, providing an additional two years of funding. The MERIT Award aims to offer longer-term support to promising early-stage investigators, enabling them to focus on impactful cancer research without the immediate pressure of renewal applications. This initiative supports innovative and creative research and facilitates career establishment and long-term scientific contributions.

The goal of this funding opportunity is to address key challenges in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Research priorities include identifying cancer risks and prevention strategies, advancing screening and diagnostic methods, developing targeted treatment approaches, and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. Areas of interest span chemical and molecular carcinogenesis, biomarker discovery, epidemiology, immunology, clinical trials, and supportive care interventions. Projects must align with the scientific focus of the original R37 award and demonstrate continued significance and promise in advancing cancer-related research goals.

Eligible applicants are limited to those holding active NCI-funded R37 grants, with research proposals required to fall within the original scope of the parent project. Eligible organizations include higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofit and for-profit organizations, U.S. state and local governments, tribal governments, and foreign organizations. Applications must adhere to NIH guidelines and be submitted via ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. All applicants must maintain active registrations with SAM.gov, NATO CAGE (for foreign entities), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov.

The second phase extension supports a two-year project period, with budgets limited to the committed direct costs from the final year of the initial project. Applications will undergo administrative review, focusing on factors such as research progress, alignment with the parent award's objectives, scientific significance, and budget justification. The evaluation process will also assess protections for human subjects, inclusion of diverse populations, and the use of vertebrate animals where applicable. Applications must include updated reporting on study progress, adherence to NIH policy requirements, and financial accountability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult their NCI program officer and grants management specialist prior to submission. Applications for NCI ESI MERIT Award extensions are due during the penultimate year of the current award, on either March 1, July 1, or November 1, depending on the specific cycle. The earliest start date for approved extensions will align with the conclusion of the initial project period. All submissions must comply with NIH's policy and reporting requirements as outlined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

For assistance, applicants may contact NIH’s eRA Service Desk, GrantsInfo, or Grants.gov customer support. Further information, including submission guidelines, forms, and policies, can be found in the NIH Grants Policy Statement and the official funding opportunity announcement.